Tipperary Fresh milk is preparing to expand into Tesco stores across Ireland in the coming weeks, marking another important milestone for the Thurles-based dairy brand.
The announcement was made by Centenary Thurles senior executive John Martin at Tillage Day 2026, highlighting growing consumer interest in locally produced, sustainably focused dairy products.
Non-GMO milk is milk produced by cows that are fed a diet free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This means their feed is made from ingredients that have not been genetically engineered, avoiding genetically modified crops such as certain varieties of soya and maize. In the case of Tipperary Fresh, cows graze on grass and receive specially produced non-GMO feed, with regular testing and independent certification to ensure standards are maintained. Non-GMO milk offers consumers greater transparency about how their milk is produced, although it is not necessarily healthier or more nutritious than conventional milk.
Already available through Dunnes Stores, ‘Tipperary Fresh’ is supplied by 14 dairy farmers located within a 12km radius of Thurles, Co. Tipperary. The milk comes from grass-grazing cows whose supplementary feed contains no genetically modified ingredients or soya.
This initiative brings together local dairy farmers, grain growers and Centenary Thurles’ milk processing and feed milling operations, creating a closely managed supply chain that supports Irish agriculture.
Tipperary Fresh currently retails at approximately €1.74 per litre, compared with €1.15 for standard supermarket own-brand milk. The 59c per litre retail premium reflects the product’s specialist positioning, with participating dairy farmers also receiving an additional payment for their milk.
The co-operative has also supported local tillage farmers through competitive grain prices, paying €225 per tonne for feed barley and €237 per tonne for feed wheat this year, alongside a transport bonus.
Maintaining the product’s non-GMO certification involves regular testing, farm inspections and feed mill audits, with independent certification provided by FoodChain ID.
The expansion into Tesco represents a significant opportunity for Tipperary Fresh to reach more households nationwide while strengthening the connection between local food production, sustainable farming practices and consumer choice.
The development is another positive step for Tipperary agriculture, demonstrating how locally produced milk and grain can create added value for Irish farmers.
Leave a Reply